Devil's Peak

Chapter 6

Several days had passed since Christopher's first dream-walking adventure, and he was growing more accustomed to his new school. However, on this particular day, a sense of foreboding hung in the air like the smell after a thunderstorm.

"Hey, Christopher!" Joe called out, waving him over to join him, Tracyn, and Spencer during recess. Christopher smiled and jogged towards them, grateful for the friends he had made at Devil's Peak Elementary. They were an odd bunch, but their shared love for the supernatural bonded them together.

"Did you guys hear about the ghost sighting in the old library?" Tracyn asked with excitement, his eyes wide behind his thick glasses.

"Ghost sighting? Cool!" Spencer chimed in, his imaginary friends undoubtedly eavesdropping on the conversation.

As they eagerly discussed the ghostly rumors, Christopher noticed Braden and Ethen lurking nearby, whispering and snickering. He couldn't shake the feeling that they were up to something, but tried to focus on the conversation at hand.

"Anyway," Tracyn continued, "I heard there's a secret passageway in the library that leads to--" He was abruptly cut off by a loud bang and a shower of confetti raining down on them. Christopher looked up in surprise as laughter erupted around them. Braden and Ethen high-fived each other, clearly responsible for the prank.

"Nice one, losers!" Braden taunted, smirking at Christopher and his friends as they brushed confetti from their hair and clothes.

"Real mature, Braden," Joe retorted, annoyance clouding his usually friendly demeanor. Christopher clenched his fists, anger bubbling inside him. He hated bullies, especially those who targeted his friends.

"Whatever, let's just go," Tracyn huffed, leading the group away from Braden and Ethen's jeering laughter.

Later that day, Christopher and his friends sat in their classroom, still talking about the ghost sighting. They were so absorbed in their conversation that they didn't notice Ethen sneakily positioning Stinky, the cloud monster, near the back of the room.

"Alright, everyone, settle down," their teacher, Mrs. Haggerty, called out as she entered the room. Almost immediately, a foul stench filled the air. A few students gagged, while others covered their noses with their shirts.

"Ugh, what is that smell?" Spencer exclaimed, his face contorted in disgust.

"Sorry, folks," Mrs. Haggerty said, pinching her nose. "It seems like someone dropped a stink bomb in here. I'll have to speak with the principal."

"Hey, weren't Christopher and his weirdo friends playing with something earlier?" Braden loudly accused, pointing at them accusingly. Ethen nodded vigorously, feigning innocence.

"Hey, we didn't do anything!" Tracyn protested, but it was too late. The damage was done. The rest of the class shot suspicious glares at Christopher and his friends, and Mrs. Haggerty clearly seemed to believe Braden's accusation.

"Christopher, Joe, Tracyn, and Spencer, stay behind after class. We need to discuss this," she warned sternly. Christopher felt a wave of anger and frustration wash over him. He knew Braden and Ethen were responsible for the stink, but how could he prove it?

As they endured the smelly classroom, Christopher couldn't help but think of ways to expose Braden and Ethen's cruel pranks. He glanced at his friends, their faces a mix of hurt and defiance, and silently promised to find a way to make things right.

The moment Christopher and his friends entered Mr. M's office, they knew they were in for a rough time. The principal's eyes narrowed as he studied the four boys standing before him.